Model steam engine AKW R200 by Wilesco was made only about 10 years from the late 1950s until the late 1960s and resembles a miniature Atom Power Plant, 'Atomkraftwerk' in German.

Nuclear power (un)popularity

The 1960s were characterized by a kind of 'euphoria' and nuclear power was seen as the 'energy of the future'. This model nuclear reactor station steam engine is a testimony from those times when environment, ecology, security and future issues were not on everyone’s mind. However, sales were low due to the fact that most people were also afraid of anything that had to do with "Atomic Energy" (dangeorous!), and as it was associated with the Atomic Bomb and the Cold War. The engines came with a booklet explaining how Atomic Plants produced electricity.

Highly collectible steam engine

This Wilesco model is particularly collectible due to its nuclear character and quality finish, like most Wilesco engines.

wilesco r200

It's pretty rare to find nowadays, because there were only a few manufactured at the time and... you know... in the hands of kids. But now and then one shows up on eBay so if you check regularly you might pick one up one day.

Technical info

The R200 is based on the D10 platform, has a 16mm. stroke, 9mm. diameter and 70mm. flywheel. The boiler is heated by electricity, 220v in Europe, 110v export models, 250watt.


Updated: 18 Dec. 2017

Wilesco R200 forum

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Comments (3)
Russ - November 9, 2019
I bought a live steam engine at a local auction without knowing anything about it and it turns out I got a Wilesco R200. Appears that the paint and metal are mint. It is missing the plug end. I just bought it because it looked cool. Not really my thing though. I am wondering what I could realistically ask for it if I decide to sell it?
They can fetch 400-700 USD. You have to make sure though it still works, so hook up a plug end and start steaming. Heck, you might want to keep it when you start it up... ;-)
Jim - April 26, 2019
I have just come into ownership of an R-200 plant. Unfortunately, the water tank is badly corroded.The safety valve and side cap are there so it's just the tank itself I'm trying to find. Is there any chance that Wilesco might make these tanks again? Could I contact them? Otherwise, this plant is in perfect shape and I'd like to get it going again. Thank you for any information pertaining to this.....Jim
Hi Jim! Nice find, they are wonderful machines. Sure, try to contact them directly through their website or take a look at the forum I mention on my page (I've moved your question to my R200 page).
Tristan - November 17, 2018
Hello! I have the wilesco r200, but I am missing the boiler covers (tower pieces) and the silver cap. Not sure if this is still monitored or not, but if it is. I'd love some feedback on how to acquire these pieces.
Really difficult to find parts for this rare machine... You could try Wilesco directly, but I won't give you much chance. Or just wait until a very old rusty one comes along on eBay which you can use for parts. There is also a thread about this on this forum.